Media Giant

CultureMap Austin editor-in-chief Kevin Benz makes history as first purelydigital chairman of RTDNA

Y'all might not know this, but CultureMap Austin editor-in-chief Kevin Benz recently made history.

Benz was confirmed Tuesday as the new chairman of the Radio, Television, Digital News Association (RTDNA) at the Excellence in Journalism 2011 Conference held in New Orleans. He is officially the first strictly-digital media journalist to hold this position.

In the easiest interview of our career in terms of the number of chairs between our two desks in the CultureMap Austin office, we were able to ask the travel-weary but always energetic Benz a few questions about his record-making accomplishment and the emerging status of electronic journalism.

CultureMap: Congratulations on your new position, Kevin. Tell our readers more about the impact and roles of RTDNA.

Kevin Benz: Thanks! Most simply, RTDNA serves journalists and protects journalism, but Edward R. Murrow's famous speech probably defines us best. Back in 1958, as broadcast journalism was in its infancy, Murrow spoke to the Radio, Television News Directors Association (RTNDA, now RTDNA) and famously said, "This instrument [television] can teach, it can illuminate; yes, and it can even inspire. But it can do so only to the extent that humans are determined to use it to those ends. Otherwise it is merely wires and lights in a box."

Then he went on, "There is a great and perhaps decisive battle to be fought against ignorance, intolerance and indifference. This weapon of television could be useful."

That was 1958. There are many who I think would agree that broadcast journalism is too often still wires and lights in a box. When Dancing with the Stars gets more TV news coverage than the death of al-Awlaki, I'm not sure they serve as a weapon against ignorance.

We are now called the RTDNA for Radio, Television, Digital News Association. We help journalists in all media fight those battles and serve the community through education and advocacy; and with our offices in Washington, D.C., we protect the press freedoms promised in the first amendment. Sounds kinda boring probably, but it's very fulfilling work.

CM: What are your responsibilities and challenges as the newly elected chairman?

KB: Well, it's not like journalists enjoy a particularly great reputation in the U.S. right now. I think we fall somewhere between defense lawyers and stock brokers in public support. (I hope I haven't offended any lawyers out there.) So our challenge is pretty daunting as we try to raise the respectability of journalism in the public's eyes. That means we must advocate for better news coverage.

The chairman really serves as the face of RTDNA and journalism in the U.S. in general, so I'll be asked to speak on issues affecting journalists all over the world. Occasionally, I will go to Washington in order to advocate on behalf of the press. The chairman, with our executive director, also oversees the organization.

CM: What does it mean for the industry that a digital journalist such as yourself was elected? How is the media industry changing overall?

KB: It's pretty amazing actually. Just a couple years ago, I don't think anyone would have guessed that a digital journalist would come to lead this association. Online journalism has matured in a short amount of time. We are often the first place people go to get their news, and we are certainly the most nimble platform for distributing information. Twitter really changed the game for journalists. Information can be sent out in real-time, making the evening news and the newspaper more of an historical record.

We really want to make sure online journalists get the respect we deserve, and that means making sure we all follow the same principals of journalism: telling the truth, acting independently, providing context and minimizing the harm we can do. Too often, those calling themselves journalists online failed to follow those basic guidelines. I think that's changing, and in my role, I hope to prove it.

CM: How does this position change your role or influence as editor-in-chief at CultureMap Austin?

KB: I hope to help raise the prominence and respectability of online journalism overall. I left a 30-year career in television news (15 of which were in Austin) and came over to CultureMap, because I really believe there is a revolution going on in the media. Our community demands more of journalists than covering car wrecks, murders and fires; they want news that is relevant and important to their lives and includes coverage of the cultural aspects of our lives.

CultureMap, as well as some other excellent online organizations, are in the process of reinventing what "news" means and how it's delivered. It's great to be on the cutting edge of the revolution!

CM: What can we expect from you next?

KB: Well, I just got back from the RTDNA National Convention, so I'm only looking forward to getting back to work Monday morning and working with the best staff of online journalists in town. (Editor's note: He really said that. We didn't add that.) I love my job. And I'm having a great time. In a couple of weeks, I get the honor of handing out the National Edward R. Murrow Awards in New York. It's a great honor, but mostly I love living and working in Austin, one of the world's greatest cities.

the big 3

Latin lords Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull team up for Trilogy tour headed to Houston

Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias/Facebook

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Three of pop music's biggest powerhouses are headed to Houston for star-studded fall tour. Latin superstars Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, and Pitbull will share the stage together for the first time ever as part of The Trilogy Tour, which will hit arenas across America this fall.

This new 19-city tour produced by Live Nation kicks off in Washington, D.C., on October 14. The tour hits Houston on Saturday, November 18 at Toyota Center as part of three-city Texas stop. Other shows include a stop at American Airlines Center in Dallas, on Friday, November 17 and AT&T Center in San Antonio on Sunday, November 19.

As one would expect, the megastars promise to deliver an electrifying mix of their biggest, career-spanning hits with tastes of reggaeton, salsa pop, dance, and electronic all thrown in for good measure. Each showman will backed by world-class production and state-of-the-art visuals, per an announcement.

Live Nation recommends that fans register now through Sunday, June 4 at 11:59 pm ET for the Verified Fan presale here. Those who are selected to receive an access code will be able to participate in the Verified Fan presale starting on Wednesday, June 7. (More information on Verified Fan can be found here).

A limited number of tickets will be sold during a general on sale starting at 10 am Friday, June 9 at Ticketmaster.com — while supplies last.

Expect a slew of VIP packages and experiences, which include perks like an invitation to the pre-show VIP lounge, exclusive VIP tour poster, specially designed VIP gift item and more. More VIP information can be found at vipnation.com.

From prince to King Enrique

The son of Latin king Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias has evolved from promising pop prince to arguably the biggest Latin recording artist in music history, with a wow-worthy 154 No. 1 single’s across Billboard charts and 27 No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs Chart. Iglesias currently holds the record for most number ones in the chart’s history.

At once a sultry crooner and poppy persona, he fluidly moves between English and Spanish and genres to the tune of more than 180 million albums sold worldwide, released 11 studio albums, and three greatest hits compilations. To date, Iglesias has headlined 10 sold-out world tours and performed in front of more than 10 million fans.

Known for big collabs with Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie, Pitbull, and more, he boasts multiple Grammy, Billboard, ASCAP, and more major awards. His 14 billion views on YouTube/VEVO and 14 billion in streams make him one the most streamed and viewed artists on the planet.

"I am incredibly excited to be going on tour with my friends Pitbull and Ricky," Iglesias said in a tour announcement. "The Trilogy Tour will be an amazing experience for ALL of our fans. It’s going to be a once in a lifetime tour."

La Vida Ricky

A fresh-faced poser boy for '80s pop group Menudo, Ricky Martin grew up before fans eyes into a hunky, bellowing singer known for leaving it all out onstage. Often dubbed the "King of Latin Pop," Martin has scored more than 180 awards and multiple Grammy Awards, most recently for the EP Pausaa nd the album PLAY, which features collaborations with Bad Bunny, Residente, and Sting.

The Puerto Rico native is also an accomplished actor, flexing his chops and earning an Emmy nomination in FX's The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. He's next set to star in the highly anticipated Apple TV series Palm Royale, alongside Laura Dern, Kristen Wiig, Allison Janney, and Carol Burnett.

Martin has championed HIV and AIDS causes and founded the Ricky Martin Foundation, which actively fights against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. He is a Global Ambassador for UNICEF, has received the Hispanic Federation's "Humanitarian Award" and the Human Rights Campaign's "National Visibility Award." The City of New York declared "Ricky Martin Day" to honor his musical legacy and charitable work.

"Going back on the road with not only Enrique, but now with Pitbull it’s very exciting," Martin notes in a statement. "This tour will be a wild party from beginning to end so get ready, it's going to be epic!"

Mr. Worldwide

Grammy-winning showman Pitbull — aka Mr. Worldwide — has a golden touch when it comes to singalong party anthems and killer shows. As an artist, the Miami performer boasts billions of audio streams and video views plus hundreds of gold and platinum certifications. As an entrepreneur, he co-owns the NASCAR racing team Trackhouse and tours with life strategy guru Tony Robbins on motivational speaking engagements.

Famed for his fiesta vibe, Armando Christian "Pitbull" Perez is dead serious about education as he helped establish the nationwide Sports Leadership Arts and Management (SLAM!), tuition-free public charter schools.

“It’s a true honor to tour with Enrique and Ricky, 2 music icons, who broke global music barriers for our culture and open doors for someone like myself,” said Pitbull. “We’re excited to take The Trilogy tour around the world and give our fans the time of their Trilogy lives, Dale!"

Here are the official dates for The Trilogy Tour:

Sat Oct 14 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena

Tue Oct 17 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena

Fri Oct 20 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre

Sat Oct 21– Boston, MA – TD Garden

Thu Oct 26 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden

Sat Oct 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center

Wed Nov 01 – Chicago, IL – United Center

Fri Nov 03 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena

Thu Nov 09 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center

Fri Nov 10 – Miami, FL – Kaseya Center

Fri Nov 17 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center

Sat Nov 18 – Houston – Toyota Center

Sun Nov 19 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center

Fri Nov 24 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena

Sat Nov 25 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center

Thu Nov 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

Wed Dec 06 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center

Fri Dec 08 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena

Sun Dec 10 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena

Enrique Iglesias

Enrique Iglesias/Facebook

Music royal Enrique Iglesias joins Ricky Martin and Pitbull.

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